Beachfront properties at Mai Khao, Ao Po, Kamala and Bang Tao

When The Sherry-Netherland threw open its ornate, etched-glass doors on Fifth Avenue in 1927, the magnificent new hotel quickly attracted Manhattan’s high society to what was one of the Big Apple’s first Art Deco skyscrapers.

The hotel rapidly earned its reputation for tip-top standards of service and soon began catering to the varied needs of the luxurious apartments that also nestled in the 38-storey tower. And so the concept of the pampered and prestigious “branded residence” was born.

Almost a century on, real estate giants Savills and Knight Frank both estimate that there are now about 400 branded-residence projects operating in more than 60 countries. Each houses a collection of high-status homes in a variety of configurations in prime locations. All leverage the star power of a respected, sought-after brand name.

While a handful are aligned with designer fashion labels…